Over 150 women gathered at Western Europe’s largest mosque for an enlightened evening dedicated to the works of Inspirational Women, Past and Present.

The Baitul Futuh Mosque, Morden was host to a number of speakers and presentations on Saturday 17th November. Guests from all across London were given the opportunity to learn about courageous women of all faiths and cultures from across the world.

The event was marked as one of the first events to be held during Sutton’s Interfaith Week. Sutton Interfaith Forum member, Julie Duffy, said she was pleased to include the event as part of Sutton’s Interfaith Week, which is now in its second year.

Some of the inspirational women mentioned included Pro-Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, Pakistani education campaigner Malala Yousufzai and Mary Mother of Jesus.

The National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association UK, Nasira Rehman, gave the guests a warm welcome to the event as well as a brief introduction about the history and achievements of the women’s association.

Merton Councillor, Maxi Martin spoke highly of the Women’s Association and said they are an example of the ‘many inspirational women she has met throughout her lifetime.’ “I absolutely enjoy meeting these women and the work that they do and particularly I think we have to pay tribute to our younger women who have to go through an uphill struggle these days as so much is expected of them.

“But Women have moved forward beyond all expectations.”

Croydon Labour Councillor, Toni Letts OBE emphasised that there are many women who our ‘out of the spotlight’ but inspire many people around them with their tenacity and courage.

RE Consultant, Lillian Wetherlee, spoke in-depth about the life of Mary Mother of Jesus and how ‘she has inspired churches and mosques around the world.’ She also questioned whether Mary could be seen as ‘the key to peace between nations.’ Clinical Psychologist Anne Davidson spoke about various female leaders and activists who ‘are working tirelessly to alleviate hardship and suffering across the world’, in their ‘plight to help the disadvantaged.

Speakers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association included Maha Dabbous, Head of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya-3. She spoke about inspirational women in Islam who, despite facing hardships were kind and forgiving towards others.

“These ladies displayed tremendous courage and steadfastness that inspired even men throughout the ages until our present time.

“As a result of their sacrifices and bravery the paved the way for the generations of ladies that came after them and secured the means for them for respectable, honourable life.”

Visitors were also given an introduction to the history of Islam and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. This included tours of the mosque complex, libraries and various exhibitions that displayed the works of the community across the world including the UK. The exhibitions were aimed to resolve various negative stereotypes surrounding women in Islam and to remove the false allegations placed against the Prophet Muhammad following the release of a short film earlier this year.

Based on information supplied by Meliha Hayat.